Maria's life has become an endless cycle of anticipation, each phone call from her husband carrying the weight of uncertainty. As the wife of Ivan, a 31-year-old Ukrainian fighter pilot, she finds herself caught between hope and fear, with every ring of her phone holding the potential for good or devastating news.

Since the onset of Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022, Ivan has valiantly defended Ukraine's airspace, undertaking over 200 perilous missions in his aging Soviet-era Mig-29 fighter jet. Commanding his squadron, he has faced the heartbreak of losing several comrades — some were lifelong friends, others godfathers to his children. Due to security concerns, the location of his airbase remains classified.

As negotiations for a ceasefire intensify, Maria's emotions are a whirlwind of possibility and dread. "If a ceasefire is established, we will feel safer," she reflects. However, this glimmer of hope is clouded by apprehensions over potential territorial concessions. Recent discussions suggest that a ceasefire may require Ukraine to accept the loss of four regions in the southeast, alongside Crimea, which was annexed by Russia in 2014. "What has all this sacrifice been for if we can't even keep our land?" Maria questions.

When Maria and Ivan first met, a full-scale war seemed unimaginable. Their love story began at a local children's club where Maria taught English to students, including the daughter of one of Ivan's colleagues. What started as a set-up soon blossomed into romance, marked by Ivan's warning about the dangers of his job. Despite initial hesitations, their connection grew stronger, leading to a swift marriage and the birth of their daughter, Yaroslava.

But as the war raged, the couple's life transformed dramatically. Ivan missed countless milestones with their daughter, who was only three months old at the war's onset. Maria sends him endless pictures of their daughter to bridge the distance, ensuring he feels connected despite the chaos of his duties. Whenever Ivan has had a brief respite, she has made every moment count, rushing to meet him with home-cooked meals and their child's laughter.

Yet, uncertainty looms large in Maria's life. The ongoing conflict has painfully highlighted the fragility of their family unit, with every encounter feeling both joyous and potentially final. "I must prepare for every outcome, even the worst," she says, her voice tinged with sorrow. The losses among their friends weigh heavily on her mind, making the fear of similar news a constant shadow.

Meanwhile, the need for robust support from the West grows more urgent, as Ukrainians seek concrete commitments from allies like the United States and European nations. Although Ukraine has received advanced fighter jets such as F-16s and French Mirages, the reliance on outdated Soviet aircraft continues, putting their airforce at a disadvantage against Russia's superior technology.

Maria’s cautious optimism around a ceasefire exists alongside skepticism about Russia's intentions. Global leaders, including former U.S. President Donald Trump, have suggested pragmatic dialogues with Russia that could potentially be used to apply pressure on Ukraine to relinquish claims to its territories.

Even if a ceasefire is negotiated, the reality for Maria will remain unchanged. She will still be waiting for Ivan’s calls and visits, as the Ukrainian airforce will be required to remain vigilant for the foreseeable future. While peace in Ukraine may be on the horizon, Maria fears that true peace for her husband might be elusive. Ivan, deeply impacted by his experiences in combat, has a "patriotic soul" that compels him to continue serving his country, even as they long for a return to normalcy.

Ultimately, Maria's priority is to maintain hope for their family’s future, diligently reassuring Ivan that they are waiting for him. "We dream of returning to our lives, building a home, and creating a safe, joyful environment for our daughter. He must know we are always here, waiting for him," she concludes, holding onto the hope that love will triumph amid the turmoil.